As far as 'schedules', for the most part you can avoid them regardless. Eating on a specific schedule, at a specific table, with a specific group of folks, pretty much doesn't happen any more, unless you WANT it that way. That is one of the best things about modern cruising. For ME, personally, I hate that all the ships are so huge. We have over 30 cruises under our belt, loved all of them, and our love affair with SXM started on a cruise. It's a great way to check out several different places in a week. The next cruise we will take will be on a smaller, more upscale ship. Cruises definitely have their place.